DA Targets Reactive Gong Target Mild 4in. Review

First Thoughts on the DA Targets Reactive Gong Target Mild 4in.

Reactive targets have always held a certain allure for me. The immediate feedback of a successful hit is satisfying, far more so than peering through a spotting scope at a paper target. I was eager to get my hands on the DA Targets Reactive Gong Target Mild 4in. to see if it lived up to the promise of providing a durable and engaging shooting experience.

What drew me to this target specifically was its claim of being suitable for both handgun and rifle calibers, without resorting to steel. I’ve gone through my fair share of steel targets, and while they are incredibly robust, the potential for ricochet, especially at closer ranges, is always a concern. The DA Targets promise of a reactive polymer offered a safer alternative. My goal was simple: find a durable and safe target for regular practice that offered immediate hit confirmation.

Unboxing the DA Targets Reactive Gong Target Mild 4in. was uneventful. The target itself felt solid, with a slightly rubbery texture. The build quality appeared good, and the 4-inch diameter seemed appropriate for practicing both pistol and rifle accuracy at moderate distances. Initial weight was surprisingly light, I was expecting it to be heavier.

I’ve used steel gongs from AR500 Armor and self-healing polymer targets from Champion. The AR500 Armor targets are great, but can only be used from greater distances with rifles. The Champion targets, while effective, seem to degrade rather quickly with high-volume shooting. The DA Targets product seemed like a good middle-ground between the two with its ability to be used with both handguns and rifles from moderate distances, while still being reactive.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The claim of durability coupled with the promise of easy hit identification definitely piqued my interest. I was excited to see how it performed at the range.

Real-World Testing: Putting DA Targets Reactive Gong Target Mild 4in. to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the DA Targets Reactive Gong Target Mild 4in. was at my local outdoor shooting range. I set it up at 25 yards for pistol practice and then moved it back to 100 yards for some rifle work. The weather was mild, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for testing this target.

With my 9mm handgun, the target reacted exactly as advertised. Each hit resulted in a noticeable color change, making it incredibly easy to see where my shots were landing. Switching to my .223 AR-15, I was equally impressed. Even at 100 yards, the color change was easily visible through my scope. It was easy to see the impacts of each round on the target.

The target held up remarkably well during its first use. I did not need to get used to using the target. There were no signs of cracking or deformation after several hundred rounds.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the DA Targets Reactive Gong Target Mild 4in. has proven to be a reliable training tool. I’ve subjected it to a variety of handgun and rifle calibers, ranging from 9mm to .223, and it has consistently performed without issue.

The durability of the target is impressive. Despite numerous impacts, there are no cracks or significant signs of wear and tear. The color change is still vibrant and easily visible, although some slight fading has occurred in the areas with the highest concentration of hits. The fading is not enough to degrade the reactive aspect of the target, however.

Maintaining the target is incredibly simple. Any residue from the impacts wipes away easily with a damp cloth. Compared to steel targets that require occasional painting to maintain visibility, the DA Targets product requires virtually no maintenance. I’ve had great experiences with steel targets, but painting them is always a pain!

Breaking Down the Features of DA Targets Reactive Gong Target Mild 4in.

Specifications

The DA Targets Reactive Gong Target Mild 4in. boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. It’s a 4-inch diameter gong constructed from a proprietary reactive polymer. This reactive polymer is designed to change color upon impact, providing instant feedback to the shooter.

The target is specified for use in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s suitable for use with a variety of handgun and rifle calibers, excluding hollow-point and flat-tip projectiles. The exclusion of hollow-point and flat-tip projectiles is important to note, as these types of rounds can cause excessive damage to the target. It is important to consider the ammo you’re shooting before using the target.

Performance & Functionality

The DA Targets Reactive Gong Target Mild 4in. excels at providing immediate feedback. The color change is easily visible at various distances, making it simple to adjust your aim and improve accuracy. The immediate feedback really helped me to improve my groupings.

The target is incredibly reliable. It consistently reacts to impacts without fail. The primary weakness is its temperature sensitivity. The target is not designed for use in temperatures outside the 60-80 degree Fahrenheit range.

It definitely meets expectations! I wanted a safer target to be able to use in a variety of shooting situations and this target has delivered on all of those wants.

Design & Ergonomics

The simple, circular design of the DA Targets Reactive Gong Target Mild 4in. is effective and functional. The reactive polymer is relatively lightweight, making it easy to transport and set up. The rubbery texture is soft to the touch, but feels durable.

There is no real learning curve. It is very user-friendly, all that is required is setting up the target and beginning to shoot.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience thus far, the DA Targets Reactive Gong Target Mild 4in. is built to last. The reactive polymer has withstood hundreds of rounds without significant degradation. While the color change may fade slightly over time, the target itself should provide a long service life with proper use.

Maintenance is minimal. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth as needed to remove any residue. The target is designed to be self-healing to a certain extent, further extending its lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The DA Targets Reactive Gong Target Mild 4in. does not come with any included accessories. The only customization option is choosing how to hang it. You can use rope, chain, or any other suitable material to suspend the target.

The target is compatible with any standard target stand or hanging system. I recommend using a sturdy stand that can withstand the impact of rounds without tipping over. Using a sturdy stand is essential for safety and consistent performance.

Pros and Cons of DA Targets Reactive Gong Target Mild 4in.